Music has been a timeless medium, transcending cultures and generations. Great songs often capture moments, emotions, and stories that resonate universally. These songs aren’t just melodies; they are pieces of cultural history, reflecting emotions and moments that feel deeply personal yet universally understood. Their legacies endure, proving the power of music to unite and inspire. Here’s a curated list of 20 of the best songs ever, with history, insights, and why they continue to enchant us.
Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen (1975)
Why We Love It: A rock opera masterpiece blending genres and theatrical storytelling.
Background: Written by Freddie Mercury, it tells an enigmatic story, with operatic influences and a progressive rock sound. Its six-minute runtime defied radio norms yet became iconic.
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Imagine – John Lennon (1971)
Why We Love It: A utopian vision of peace and unity.
Background: Lennon’s lyrics inspire hope, shaped by his pacifist views during the Vietnam War era. The minimalistic piano melody enhances its universal appeal.
Spud Murphy © Yoko Ono
Like a Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan (1965)
Why We Love It: Redefined rock with poetic lyrics and raw emotion.
Background: Dylan’s shift from folk to electric was controversial but legendary. The song questions identity and freedom with timeless relevance.
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I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston (1992)
Why We Love It: A vocal tour de force of love and heartbreak.
Background: Originally by Dolly Parton, Houston’s rendition for The Bodyguard soundtrack elevated it, becoming one of the best-selling singles by a female artist.
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Hotel California – Eagles (1976)
Why We Love It: Haunting lyrics and iconic guitar solos.
Background: A tale of excess and disillusionment in California’s music scene, it’s a cautionary allegory for fame and fortune.
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Billie Jean – Michael Jackson (1982)
Why We Love It: A bassline that hooks you instantly.
Background: Inspired by Jackson’s experiences with obsessive fans, it’s a pop-funk anthem with a legendary moonwalk-inducing beat.
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Hey Jude – The Beatles (1968)
Why We Love It: A comforting anthem of optimism.
Background: Written by Paul McCartney for John Lennon’s son Julian, it transforms personal heartache into a universal message.
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Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana (1991)
Why We Love It: Captures teenage angst in raw grunge glory.
Background: Kurt Cobain’s rebellious anthem ignited the alternative rock movement, blending catchy melodies with punk grit.
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Respect – Aretha Franklin (1967)
Why We Love It: A feminist and civil rights anthem.
Background: Originally by Otis Redding, Franklin transformed it into a powerful declaration of empowerment.
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My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion (1997)
Why We Love It: Epic romance, Titanic-sized emotions.
Background: This Titanic theme song became synonymous with undying love, driven by Dion’s soaring vocals.
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Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin (1971)
Why We Love It: Mystical lyrics and a climactic guitar solo.
Background: Robert Plant and Jimmy Page crafted a progressive rock epic blending folk and hard rock influences.
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What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye (1971)
Why We Love It: Soulful protest against social injustices.
Background: Inspired by police brutality and Vietnam protests, it’s a poignant call for compassion and change.
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Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses (1987)
Why We Love It: Romantic lyrics meet shredding guitar riffs.
Background: Slash’s iconic riff was a warm-up exercise that turned into a hard rock anthem.
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Rolling in the Deep – Adele (2010)
Why We Love It: A soulful eruption of heartbreak.
Background: Adele’s rich vocals paired with bluesy production made this an instant classic, redefining breakup anthems.
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Dancing Queen – ABBA (1976)
Why We Love It: Pure joy and disco magic.
Background: Capturing the essence of youth and freedom, it became a global disco sensation.
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Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen (1975)
Why We Love It: A cinematic escape anthem.
Background: Springsteen’s poetic storytelling of young love and yearning resonated with dreamers everywhere.
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Purple Rain – Prince (1984)
Why We Love It: A fusion of rock, R&B, and gospel emotion.
Background: Title track of Prince’s film and album, it showcases his virtuosic guitar skills and emotional depth.
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Imagine Dragons – Radioactive (2012)
Why We Love It: A fresh apocalyptic anthem.
Background: This breakout hit introduced a blend of electronic rock and haunting lyrics.
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Shallow – Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (2018)
Why We Love It: Raw emotion in duet form.
Background: The A Star is Born ballad became an Oscar-winning ode to vulnerability and connection.
Neal Preston © 2017 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc
Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland (1939)
Why We Love It: Hope wrapped in nostalgia.
Background: From The Wizard of Oz, it’s a timeless yearning for a better place, resonating across decades.
Courtesy of Aljean Harmetz/The Making of The Wizard of Oz
